HORTON RECORDS 12TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF RETURNS TO CAIN’S BALLROOM SAT. NOV. 8

Family-friendly event includes music, chili samples, silent auction & more

TULSA, Okla. June 23, 2025 – Tickets are on sale Tuesday for the 12th Annual Horton Records Rock ’n Folk ’n Chili Cookoff, taking place Saturday Nov. 8, 2025, beginning at 5:30 PM at Tulsa’s historic Cain’s Ballroom. Proceeds from this all-ages, family-friendly event support Oklahoma musicians and music projects through the Tulsa-based nonprofit Horton Records.

This year’s event features an all-star Tulsa band (John Fullbright, Paul Benjaman, Jesse Aycock, Paddy Ryan, and more) performing songs from the album Back to Paradise: A Tulsa Tribute to Okie Music. The record was released five years ago and includes 17 tracks written by a variety of Oklahoma musicians. Recorded on Grand Lake in what was formerly Leon Russell’s famed Paradise Studio, it was the first album tracked there since 1978.

Additional performances that night include music from red dirt instigators, the Red Dirt Rangers, and Amber Watson, who will perform her powerhouse Americana with a band led by producer and guitarist Chris Combs.

In addition to musical performances from Oklahoma artists, the evening features chili samples from Tulsa-area restaurants and food trucks, door prizes, live art, raffles, and silent auctions. Attendees can vote for their favorite chili, and the grand-prize-winner will receive a full-sized, authentic title belt, along with boxing gloves, wraps, and a three-month gym membership courtesy of Tulsa’s Engine Room Boxing Gym.

“The Chili Cook-off is a great opportunity to showcase our Oklahoma-based artists every year, while also highlighting other parts of the community. It doesn't get much better than music, food, and art, especially in Tulsa at Cain's Ballroom," says Brian Horton, President of Horton Records. “I can’t believe this is our 12th year for this event. We love the way it’s become an annual tradition for so many people.”

Donations of non-perishable food and coats will be collected at the door for those in need. Those who choose to donate will receive a free t-shirt. All tickets include all-you-can-sample chili from Tulsa area restaurants and food trucks (while supplies last).

*12th Annual Horton Records Rock ‘n Folk ‘n Chili Cook-off

*Saturday, November 8, 2025; Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main (doors & music at 5:30 PM)

*TICKETS: General Admission $25 in advance/$30 day of show. A limited number of reserved tables of four are available for $200 (+ fees). Kids 12 & under are free. Free t-shirt with a donation of a non-perishable food item or coat at the door.

Ticket link or cainsballroom.com